Barney Lawrence was born in Ottawa in 1925 and came to Kitchener in 1951 to practice law.

During his college days he was a member of the University of Toronto intercollegiate team and was later a nationally ranked squash player in both doubles and singles. He was Ontario amateur squash champion in 1962.

He played on the Canadian Lapham Cup Team against the United States about seventeen times between 1950-1984, and was captain in 1967 and 1981. He is the holder of many Canadian, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Western Canadian titles.

In 1962 Lawrence established the Kitchener-Waterloo Racquet Club, the first in the area, and served as president for seven years. Since the opening of the physical education complex at the University of Waterloo, where he was instrumental in having the first glass-walled courts for spectator viewing, the squash program has been aided by Lawrence. He was coach of the college team which has won many championships.

Rial G.R. "Barney" Lawrence Q.C., B.A., LL.B at Victoria Hospital London, on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 as the result of a car accident.
Barney Lawrence aged 85 years.
Beloved husband of Patricia, dear father to Charles and his wife Linda of Mississauga, Richard and his wife Rachel of Whitehorse, Yukon, Sally and her husband Rob Moir of Toronto, father-in-law to Richard Clinch of Waterloo, stepfather of Ron Greenwood and Marie of B.C., David Greenwood and his wife Kathy of Calgary, Alberta, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren also survive.
Predeceased by his parents Charles Lawrence and Myrtle Benjamin, his first wife Jane, one daughter Ann and one brother Albert.
Barney was currently practicing law for 59 years in South Western Ontario area. And a life member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, an Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo, Faculties of Engineering and Mathematics, a Deputy Judge, Provincial Small Claims Court, Kitchener since 1991. 1991 received Distinguished Teacher's Award, University of Waterloo, 1980-1991 Resident Counsel, University of Waterloo and Special Lecturer, departments of Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering, 1963-1980 Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo Faculties of Engineering, Mathematics and Optometry, 1963 Queen's Counsel, 1951, Called to the Bar of Ontario-Barrister and Solicitor. His education background is, graduating Osgoode Hall, L.L.B., York University in 1951, in 1948 graduated University of Toronto, B.A., 1945 attended University of London while awaiting repatriation to Canada (Canadian Army Overseas), 1943 Head Boy and Valedictorian, Ashbury, College, Ottawa, twice awarded "the Southam Trophy" for best all-round boy both in scholarship and sports, 1934-1943 attended Ashbury College, Ottawa. His military service was 1951-1956, a 2nd Lieutenant, Reserve Army-54th L.A.A.., Scots Fusiliers, Kitchener and 1943-1946 World War 11- Served in Canada, United Kingdom, Northwest Europe and Germany with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, Canadian Army Overseas. His community service included: 2003-2007 Interim Chair, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Waterloo Regional Chapter 1997-2004 member, Ontario Assessment Review Board, 1998 winner, Howard Wilson Memorial Award, Multiple Sclerosis Association 1986-1992 Chair, Board of Referees, Unemployment Insurance Commission, 1993-1997 Chair, Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal, 1984-1991 Chair, President's Committee, University of Waterloo, 1991-1997 Chair, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Waterloo Regional Chapter, 1995-1996 Chair, Minor Sports Dinner, Kitchener Sports Association, 1994 Kitchener Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow. His involvement in sports and leisure: 2009 Inducted into the Ontario Squash Hall of Fame, 2001 Inducted into the University of Waterloo sports Hall of Fame, twice President of Squash Ontario, 1996 World's Masters Squash Doubles Champion (with Gordon Guyatt, Q.C.), 1998 Ontario Master Doubles Champion (with Gordon Guyatt, Q.C.). He is the holder of many Canadian Masters and Ontario, Quebec and Western Canada Squash Titles, 1980-1996 Head Coach, University of Waterloo Squash, 1987 received Squash Ontario, Man of the Year Award, 1985 Inducted into the Waterloo County Sports Hall of Fame, 1985 Twice captained Canadian Squash Team vs. U.S.A. and was 59 years on the Canadian Team, 1985-1986 Head Coach, University of Waterloo Ladies Tennis. His social memberships included Life Member, (R.C.M.I) Royal Canadian Military Institute, Life Member, Founder and Former President, Kitchener-Waterloo Racquet Club, Life Member, Hamilton Squash Club, Life Member, Toronto Racquet Club and a member of Vero Beach Yacht Club, Florida.
Friends were invited to call at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W. Kitchener on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am, with Rev. Mark Lewis officiating. Donations to the KW Multiple Sclerosis Society welcome as expressions of sympathy through the funeral home, and on-line condolences accepted at www.ratzbechtelfuneralhome.com

Barney Lawrence, recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award, 1991
Engineering and Mathematics (University of Waterloo)
For the past 24 years, Barney Lawrence, a special lecturer and resident counsel in mathematics and engineering, has been a great contributor to this University. Barney Lawrence has served as an instructor on the legal system, acted in the role of tutor for the past ten years, and is founder of the University Varsity Squash program, which he has coached for 12 years. He is also a founding member of the President’s Committee. His worthiness of the Distinguished Teacher Award is evidenced by comments such as: “Mr. Lawrence provides the class with an insightful and interesting view of legal issues that otherwise could be seen as dull and uninteresting,” “the course material covered was made fascinating through a unique perspective and entertaining approach,” “Mr. Lawrence made even the most challenging of topics enjoyable to learn,” and “Barney’s lectures were enhanced through stories, comments, quotations, impersonations and reflections that were very relevant to the subject of interest.” Perhaps the greatest compliment of all is the fact that Mr. Lawrence’s lectures are not only attended by students enrolled in the course but others, not enrolled, who wish to gain some insight into what is commonly seen as a very complex and confusing subject. (Uof W website)

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